Low Power Consumption Card for HTPC

[Sibbs]

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive, low power-consuming video card for a ShuttlePC HTPC build that will work with the following setup:

(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101098)

The problem lies with the 300W PSU. It's working great to this point, but I need a little more power from my graphics card, as I am using the stock integrated graphics and can't do much with it. I'm familiar with standard, power-eating desktop cards but not so familiar with what I need to look at when it comes to low power consumption cards.

I play some older (2-3 years old) games as well as run some of the higher end emus, and watch HD video.

Was looking at an HD5670, any thoughts? Power Consumption #1, Cost#2, Performance #3.

 

[ubercake]

That seems like a good choice. AMD lists the typical power consumption at 64 watts.

When you say higher end emus, to which do you refer?

 

[Griffolion]

Try taking a look at the Radeon 5570's, they are hardly gamer cards but will give more performance than an IGP and take all their power from the PCI-E slot.

 

[Griffolion]

Sorry for the DP, there are also a number of 5670's that take their power from the PCI-E slot too.

 

[Sibbs]

Thanks for the helpful replies. The 5670 I looked at also pulls all its power from the PCI-E slot:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150504&Tpk=N82E16814150504


I'll probably be giving this a try.

 

[ubercake]

That should be good.

 

[rockyjohn]

The 5670 is a good card - but the stated minimum power supply requirement is 400w. Your 300w PSU is quite a bit less. What is the make and model of your PSU? If it is a TOP model, that card still might work - but you would be stretching - but if not a top model I recommend against even trying.

You can find rankings of video card models and specific recommendations for upgrading video cards for HTPC at:

http://www.upgradevideocards.com/nongaming.html

The rankings are based on the same criteria as yours- performance, cost, and power consumption. And the video card they recommend at the top end is exactly the one you selected and linked above.

 

[jaguarskx]

The HD 5670 should work fine with a 300w PSU since under typical gaming conditions it uses about 29w of power.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/axle-radeon-hd5670-1gb_3.html#sect0


The main question is what CPU are you throwing into the mix since that will be the most power hungry component. If you are using a Core i3 series, then you should be fine. A Core i5 might be a problem; I think the i5-760 is doable since it is draws slightly less power than older i5 CPUs like the i5-750.

The main issue you need to deal with is how many amps are on the 12v rail of the power supply since most of the power is drawn from it for the CPU, GPU and the motors in all drives. If the PSU has at least 19 amps on the 12v rail (228w), then you should be okay with an i5-760 and HD 5670. No overclocking!!!!

 

[Sibbs]

I'm using an i3 73W Dual Core processor. I'd assume I'm ok with that.

 

[Sibbs]

That seems like a good choice. AMD lists the typical power consumption at 64 watts.

When you say higher end emus, to which do you refer?

Wii, PS2 emu.

 

[jaguarskx]

I'm using an i3 73W Dual Core processor. I'd assume I'm ok with that.

You should be fine then.

 

[rockyjohn]

What is the make and model of your PSU?

There are some models of PSU that are essentially a POC so I don't lnow how anyone can give you the go ahead to use a card with a 400w minimim power requirement on a system with a 300w PSU without knowing if it is a quality PSU.

And this is assuming you don't plan to OC either your CPU or GPU nor do you have components with signficiant power consumption.